Thirteen-year-old Grace Isabella Vicenzana, or Gracie, along with her twin brothers, embark on a magical adventure during a family trip to Italy....

Kris Bechtel
Kris Bechtel

Kris was born in Germany and grew up in Vicenza, Italy, with her mother, a teacher for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS). After a fulfilling 30-year career in law enforcement with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Kris retired, having served first as a police officer. After a back injury, she transitioned to working as a 911 Emergency Telecommunicator and Supervisor, and ultimately became part of an FBI Task Force, through the CMPD, as an analyst and advocate for victims of human trafficking.

In addition to her professional achievements, Kris has a deep love for travel and discovering new cultures, especially through good food! She also embraces her artistic side through painting (@UnwinedwithKris), photography, singing, and gardening. A lover of sports and the outdoors, Kris enjoys staying active and spending quality time with friends and family. She has been married to her husband Todd for 25 years, and they have two grown sons, Zach and Josh.

Blog

Stay tuned for locations and times for book signings!

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Hello, readers!

First, I want to thank everyone who has supported The Mysterious Underwater Expedition: A World Beneath the Waves. Your enthusiasm and feedback have been a source of endless inspiration.

As I dive into planning my next book, I find myself at an exciting crossroads. Should I write another children's adventure featuring Gracie and her brothers? Or should I embark on a new journey with a fresh character and a more mature story?

Both paths have their own appeal:

  • Continuing Gracie’s...
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Hello and welcome to my very first blog post! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be writing to you from this new chapter of my life. After retiring in 2024, I decided to dive headfirst into a lifelong dream of mine: writing a book. The result? The Mysterious Underwater Expedition: A World Beneath the Waves, an adventure story that has been such a joy to bring to life. It has been out in the world since October 1st, and every step of this journey has been nothing short of incredible.

Now, as...

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Events

Are you a fan of thrilling mysteries, investigative tales, or stories that keep you on the edge of your seat? If so, mark your calendars for an exciting opportunity to meet the author behind the intrigue! Join me on Saturday, March 22nd at Fred & June's Books in Mooresville, NC, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for an exclusive meet and greet.

This is your chance to connect, chat about books, and gain insight into my writing process and the inspiration behind my latest work. Whether you're a...

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Join me for an author meet and greet at the lovely Fred & June's Book store in downtown Mooresville, NC on Saturday, March 22 from 12-3! Hope to see you there!!

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Contact

Hello and welcome!

Thank you for stopping by my author page. I'm thrilled to share my passion for storytelling with you. My very first book, The Mysterious Underwater Expedition: A World Beneath the Waves, takes readers on an adventure-packed journey through Italy, where Gracie and her brothers uncover a fascinating underwater world.

This story is close to my heart, blending mystery, discovery, and the bonds of family. Whether you're here as an avid reader or just exploring, I hope my work sparks your imagination and takes you on an unforgettable adventure.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and connect with you—feel free to reach out or share your favorite moments from the book!

Happy reading,

Kris